The city councils of South Burlington and Winooski both met Monday to discuss whether or not to take a stance on the controversial F-35 Air Force plane and its potential basing in the area.In South Burlington, councilors planned to have representatives from the Air Force and Burlington International Airport on hand to answer questions. The councilors wanted to decide whether or not to formally take a stance supporting or opposing the planes.

South Burlington was named one of two "preferred" locations by the Air Force for the basing of new F-35 planes as early as 2015. If chosen, the Vermont Air National Guard would replace aging F-16 planes at their South Burlington site.

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In Winooski, two city councilors sent an email to residents urging them to attend Monday's meeting to give their opnions. Those councilors expressed opposition to the F-35, though the council had not yet given a formal stance either way.

All comments and opinions related to the planes must be sent in writing to the Air Force by June, in order to be entered onto the record for a final decision, likely to come later this year.